Dalmatian

An Enthusiastic Companion

Boisterous, energetic, playful

Dalmatians are intelligent, easy to train, and protective large dogs. This breed has an extroverted personality and craves human companionship, but may be reserved toward unfamiliar dogs. Dalmatians make great companions for families with older children, active individuals, and fire fighters, of course. These energetic dogs need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation every day.

Understanding their unique needs will help keep them healthy and create a strong bond between the two of you. Explore this page to learn more about the breed’s history, health concerns, characteristics, and care needs.

Breed Details

Height:19-23 in.Weight:40-60 lbLifespan:12-14 years

Size

4

1=small 5=large

Grooming requirements

2

1 = little grooming - 5 = much grooming

Energy level

4

1 = low energy - 5 = high energy

Ease of training

3

1 = difficult - 5 = easy

Affection toward owners

5

1 = independent - 5 = very affectionate

Friendliness toward strangers

Routine Care: They are highly intelligent and can be taught to perform a variety of tricks to keep them mentally stimulated. Dalmatians can be sound sensitive, so be prepared for thunderstorms, New Year's Eve, and The Fourth of July!

Grooming: They have low grooming needs. Brush their coat as needed, at least weekly.

Dental: Dalmatians generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!

Ear Care: Clean their ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian can show you how!

The Dalmatian is an exuberant and fun-loving dog with high exercise needs. They are sensitive to their family and crave human companionship.

Positive Traits:

Energetic and playful

Intelligent and easy to train

Gregarious, extroverted personality

Protective of family: good watch dog

People-oriented and eager to please

Loyal and loving companion

Negative Traits:

Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog

Requires vigorous, frequent exercise and space to run

Exhibits signs of separation anxiety if left alone too much

Can be aggressive, fearful, or snappy if not socialized properly

Has a tendency to escape, wander, and roam

Territorial with larger dogs, especially of the same sex

Whether you are considering adding a new Dalmatian to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Dalmatian will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.

By exploring the health concerns specific to the Dalmatian you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. They are counting on you to be their health expert.

The Dalmatian is the only spotted dog breed. Dalmatians have a working and sporting heritage, they have been used as coaching dogs over the last 300 years due to their natural affinity for horses. Dalmatians have great endurance and speed and are quick to protect. The popularity of the Dalmatian soared after Disney portrayed the breed in One Hundred and One Dalmatians. The Dalmatian is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-14 years.

Consult with a veterinarian if your Dalmatian shows signs of the following:

Care

Routine Care: They are highly intelligent and can be taught to perform a variety of tricks to keep them mentally stimulated. Dalmatians can be sound sensitive, so be prepared for thunderstorms, New Year's Eve, and The Fourth of July!

Grooming: They have low grooming needs. Brush their coat as needed, at least weekly.

Dental: Dalmatians generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!

Ear Care: Clean their ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian can show you how!

Characteristics

The Dalmatian is an exuberant and fun-loving dog with high exercise needs. They are sensitive to their family and crave human companionship.

Positive Traits:

Energetic and playful

Intelligent and easy to train

Gregarious, extroverted personality

Protective of family: good watch dog

People-oriented and eager to please

Loyal and loving companion

Negative Traits:

Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog

Requires vigorous, frequent exercise and space to run

Exhibits signs of separation anxiety if left alone too much

Can be aggressive, fearful, or snappy if not socialized properly

Has a tendency to escape, wander, and roam

Territorial with larger dogs, especially of the same sex

Health Concerns

Whether you are considering adding a new Dalmatian to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Dalmatian will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.

By exploring the health concerns specific to the Dalmatian you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. They are counting on you to be their health expert.

History

The Dalmatian is the only spotted dog breed. Dalmatians have a working and sporting heritage, they have been used as coaching dogs over the last 300 years due to their natural affinity for horses. Dalmatians have great endurance and speed and are quick to protect. The popularity of the Dalmatian soared after Disney portrayed the breed in One Hundred and One Dalmatians. The Dalmatian is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-14 years.

Watch Out For

Consult with a veterinarian if your Dalmatian shows signs of the following:

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